Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,453
71st percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

UW-Oshkosh's teacher education program produces graduates earning above both the national median and matching the Wisconsin median, landing at the 71st percentile nationally—solid performance for an accessible state school. The $27,000 debt load sits well below typical borrowing for education majors, making this one of the more affordable paths into teaching. With a robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these numbers are reliable. However, earnings actually slip slightly from $44,453 to $43,352 over four years, reflecting the reality that many teachers hit salary schedules early and see limited growth without additional credentials or leadership roles.

The value proposition here is straightforward: you're getting middle-of-the-pack results for Wisconsin at a price point that won't burden your child with excessive debt. The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable in education, where loan forgiveness programs may apply. Still, it's worth noting that the top programs in Wisconsin—Wisconsin Lutheran, Carthage, and UW-Madison—produce graduates earning $1,400 to $5,000 more annually, which compounds significantly over a career.

For families prioritizing affordability and staying in-state, UW-Oshkosh delivers competent preparation for the classroom without financial strain. Just understand that teaching salaries plateau quickly, and this program positions graduates right at the Wisconsin average rather than ahead of it.

Where University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh$44,453$43,352-2%
Edgewood College$46,458$46,347-0%
Marquette University$45,806$46,059+1%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$45,906$45,157-2%
Carroll University$45,253$44,620-1%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh$8,212$44,453$43,352$27,0000.61
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeMilwaukee$35,080$49,485$27,0000.55
Carthage CollegeKenosha$36,500$47,185$42,777$25,9540.55
Edgewood CollegeMadison$34,850$46,458$46,347$27,0000.58
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$45,906$45,157$23,0000.50
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee$48,700$45,806$46,059$23,2500.51
National Median$41,809$26,0000.62

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 128 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.